'It's going to pack a punch': Storm expected to bring snow and wind to Cape Cod

Eric Williams, Cape Cod Times
Updated ·2 min read
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A fast-moving storm is expected to hit Cape Cod on Tuesday, bringing snow, high winds and possible coastal flooding to the area.

"It's going to pack a punch," said Alan Dunham, meteorologist at the National Weather Service Boston/Norton office.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch, in effect from late Monday night through late Tuesday night. Dunham said precipitation on Cape Cod was expected to begin as rain or a rain/snow mix between 3 to 5 a.m. on Tuesday, with a changeover to heavy wet snow by around 8 a.m.

The heaviest snowfall on the Cape is expected to occur between about 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to Dunham, when snowfall rates could reach one to two inches per hour. Total snowfall amounts of around eight inches are possible on Cape Cod.

A look at possible snow totals around southern New England from Tuesday's storm.
A look at possible snow totals around southern New England from Tuesday's storm.

The National Weather Service has also issued a High Wind Warning for the Cape and Islands, in effect from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesday. North winds from 25 to 35 mph are expected, with gusts up to 60 mph. The strongest winds are expected to occur between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tree and power line damage is possible, as well as power outages, according to the National Weather Service.

A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect from noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesday for the Cape and Islands. According to the National Weather Service, "two to three feet of inundation above ground level (is) expected in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways." Minor to moderate erosion is also possible on the Cape and Islands.

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Hyannis forecast from the National Weather Service:

Tuesday: Snow, possibly mixed with rain, becoming all snow after 1 p.m. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 37. Breezy, with a north wind 11 to 16 mph increasing to 20 to 25 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 47 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches possible.

Tuesday night: Snow likely, mainly before 7 p.m. Cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 26. Blustery, with a northwest wind 17 to 22 mph decreasing to 10 to 15 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 41 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 33. Northwest wind 10 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Wednesday night: Mostly clear, with a low around 23. Northwest wind 16 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 32 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 37. Northwest wind 8 to 15 mph.

Eric Williams, when not solving Curious Cape Cod mysteries, writes about a variety of ways to enjoy the Cape, the weather, wildlife and other subjects. Contact him at ewilliams@capecodonline.com. Follow him on X: @capecast.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cape Cod storm weather forecast: Snow, wind and flooding possible